Our World
Has Changed

We spend over 90% of our time indoors, which means that everything inside of a space matters. Much of what influences our health and well-being is based on the physical and social environments that we live and work in — that means both the built environment, like how a space is designed, as well as people’s income levels and living conditions. Our health is also determined by how we behave — such as how active we are, whether we smoke, and what we eat each day — and the design of our physical environment has a significant impact on many of these health-related behaviors. The materials we touch, the light we see, the air we breathe and the water we drink all have immediate and long-term impacts on our health and wellness. This means that our homes, offices, schools and other indoor environments can serve as powerful vehicles for improved well-being.

Based on research and analysis so far, there may be three primary transmission pathways for Covid-19; fomite transmission via shared surfaces, droplet transmission from close human to human contact and airborne transmission. In order to address today’s most pressing public health challenge, it is necessary to have a focused approach grounded in science and help address these three main routes of transmission. 

Before people enter a building, proper cleaning protocols and measures to identify those who may be sick, such as through temperature screening or symptom self-checks, should be implemented. Once inside, it’s important to minimize close contact between building occupants, such as by limiting capacity and developing traffic patterns. It is also important to evaluate and consider technology recommendations such as enhanced air filtration, along with policy recommendations such as phased return, different start times, alternating different workers at different days, and more. Furthermore, lower capacity may help people feel more comfortable and safer psychologically. If people are not well-prepared mentally, meaning they do not feel well-informed about the steps that have been taken to protect them or they are constantly worried about their safety, they may be unlikely to return. So communications strategies, such as science-based education and information sharing, are critical, as are implementing actual policies.

Everyone has a role to play in the fight against Covid-19. From supporting your immune system to staying home when you feel sick to following proper disinfecting protocols and wearing face coverings, your individual actions support a collective response that will be critical to our recovery and our resilience to future outbreaks. Understanding the relationship between you and your surroundings has become of utmost importance and this increased awareness will help us all live healthier going forward.

Delos’ expert team of scientists is working continuously to analyze the research around Covid-19 as it evolves. We are continuing to compile up-to-date, actionable insights to help maintain your health and well-being during these uncertain times, so continue to check back here. You can also find additional information about this and other health and disease topics at the links below.
Get the latest public health information from the CDC
Get the latest research information from NIH